Rent is due weekly or monthly in advance.

If you have an introductory or secure tenancy you will pay over 48 weeks each year. The next rent free weeks are 19 and 26 December 2011 and 19 and 26 March 2012. 

If you have rent arrears or a court order you need to continue to pay during these weeks. 

Cash or cheque

From 4 May 2010 the City Finance and Housing Centre will no longer take cash or cheque payments over the counter. 

You can pay your rent, recharges or any other money you owe housing service by:

Direct debit

If you have a current bank or building society account you can pay your rent monthly via direct debit. Payments can be made on either the 1st, 8th,15th or 22nd of each month. We will let you know in writing when the direct debit will start and when there are any changes to the payment. We will notify the bank of any increase in rent.

To set up a direct debit download and complete the form to the right of this page and return it to us.

Standing order

If you have a current bank or building society account you can pay your rent monthly via standing order. If you pay by standing order you must notify the bank of any increases in rent.

To set up a standing order download and complete the form to the right of this page and return it to your bank.

Debit card

You can pay your rent by debit card over the telephone: (01904) 551200 (select option 2), or online using City of York Council online payments.

Credit card

You can pay your rent by credit card over the telephone: (01904) 551200 (select option 2). You will be charged 2% of the amount you are paying when using this method.

You can also pay online using City of York Council online payments.

Swipe card

You can pay by swipe card (alpay) at local Post Offices and in more than 50 shops and garages throughout the city.

You can pay at any shop or garage which accepts payment via the Paypoint. A sign will be displayed which says if they participate in these schemes.

To make a payment simply present the swipe card and payment. You will be given a receipt which you should keep in a safe place to check off against your rent statement.

You should keep your card safe, even if you don't use it to pay rent at the moment, as it shows a rent payment number which may be needed if your circumstances change.

Lost card

If you lose your card you can order a replacement free of charge by contacting the customer services team on tel: (01904) 551200 (select option 2)

Post

Never send cash through the post. Payments should be made by cheque, money order or postal order (payable to 'City of York Council') quoting your rent account number and a receipt will be returned to you by post. Send payments to: Finance and Housing Centre, Library Square, York YO1 7DU.

Department of Work and Pensions

If you are on income support and your rent is in arrears by four weeks full rent, an amount towards your arrears can be taken out of your benefit by the Department of Work and Pensions (formerly the Benefits Agency). It is then paid directly to us. Contact your estate manager to arrange this tel: (01904) 551200

Post Office Giro payments

If you have a Giro account you can pay your rent weekly or monthly. The council's Giro account number is 6094317. This method will cost you about £1.65 per transaction.